Strength and strength-related anthropometric parameters of the international level canoe slalom male paddlers / Fuerza y parámetros antropométricos relacionados con la fuerza de los hombres remeros de canotaje slalom de nivel internacional

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to determine the differences in hand-grip strength and strength-related anthropometric parameters between the highest-performance international paddlers (HILP) and other international paddlers (ILP) in canoe slalom. In male competitors (n=48; 23 canoeists and 25 kayakers) who took part in the 2018 European championship event in canoe slalom in Prague, Czech Republic representing 15 European countries were measured hand-grip strength and strength-related anthropometric parameters two days prior the event. Differences between the group of HILP (medallists from Olympic Games, world championship and European championship in the previous three years and European championship finalists at the same time) and ILP were found. HILP have significantly higher forearm, arm and chest girths than ILP. Moderate or high practical differences and margin statistic differences were found also for hand-grip strength, body weight, body mass index and age. The consistently high-performing paddlers are heavier, have more muscular upper body and are stronger than the other group, while keeping their lower body lean. Therefore, regular upper-body strength training to all canoe slalom paddlers is important but caution is required because body weight over 80 kg may be a limiting factor.

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las diferencias en la fuerza de prensión manual y los parámetros antropométricos relacionados con la fuerza entre los remeros internacionales de alto rendimiento (RIAR) y otros remeros internacionales de canotaje en slalom. En hombres competidores (n=48; 23 piragüistas y 25 kayakistas) que participaron en el campeonato europeo de slalom en canoa de 2018, en Praga, República Checa, que representa a 15 países europeos, se midió la fuerza de agarre manual y los parámetros antropométricos relacionados con la fuerza dos días antes del evento. Se encontraron diferencias entre el grupo de RIAR (medallistas de Juegos Olímpicos, campeonatos del mundo y campeonatos de Europa en los tres años anteriores y finalistas del campeonato de Europa al mismo tiempo) y remeros internacionales. Los RIAR presentaban circunferencias de antebrazo, brazo y pecho significativamente más altas que los remeros internacionales. Además, se encontraron diferencias prácticas moderadas o altas y diferencias estadísticas en el límite para la fuerza de prensión manual, el peso corporal, el índice de masa corporal y la edad. Los remeros de alto rendimiento son más pesados, tienen la parte superior del cuerpo más musculosa y son más fuertes que el otro grupo, mientras mantienen la parte inferior del cuerpo esbelta. Por lo tanto, es importante el entrenamiento regular de fuerza de la parte superior del cuerpo para todos los remeros de piragüismo, sin embargo se requiere precaución debido a que el peso corporal superior a 80 kg puede ser un factor limitante.

Morphological characteristics of European slalom canoe and kayak paddlers / Características morfológicas de los remeros de canoa y kayak de slalom europeos

SUMMARY: The primary aim of this study was to determine the morphology of elite canoe slalom paddlers and to identity if morphology differences existed between kayak and canoe paddlers. The survey included a total of 74 canoe slalom paddlers who competed in the 2018 European Championship. These competitors were assessed using a battery of anthropometric dimensions according to standardized anthropometric techniques and bioimpedance analysis using the multifrequency octopolar device Tanita MC-980. Elite slalom male competitors can be characterized to having average body height (~180 cm), average weight (~75 kg), with ectomorphic mesomorph somatotype (1.3 - 5.5 - 2.7), well developed trunk and arm muscles (biceps girth: 35.4 ± 1.8), low hypertrophy of legs and low body fat (8 ± 3.2 %). In addition, there are no significant differences between canoe (C1) and kayak (K1) paddlers. For female competitors we can conclude, there has been little change in anthropometric values through the decades. However, C1 competitors are younger, more mesomorphic and less ectomorphic.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la morfología de los remeros de canoa de slalom de élite e identificar si existían diferencias morfológicas entre los remeros de kayak y canoa. El análisis incluyó un total de 74 remeros de canoa slalom que compitieron en el Campeonato de Europa de 2018. Los competidores fueron evaluados mediante una batería de dimensiones antropométricas según técnicas antropométricas estandarizadas y análisis de bioimpedancia utilizando el dispositivo octopolar multifrecuencia Tanita MC-980. Los competidores masculinos de slalom de élite se pueden caracterizar por tener una estatura corporal promedio (~ 180 cm), un peso promedio (~ 75 kg), con somatotipo mesomorfo ectomorfo (1,3 - 5,5 - 2,7), músculos del tronco y del brazo bien desarrollados (circunferencia del bíceps: 35,4 ± 1,8), baja hipertrofia de piernas y baja grasa corporal (8 ± 3,2 %). Además, no existen diferencias significativas entre los remeros en canoa (C1) y kayak (K1). Para las competidoras, podemos concluir que se han observado pocos cambios en los valores antropométricos a lo largo de las décadas. Sin embargo, los competidores de C1 son más jóvenes, más mesomórficos y menos ectomórficos.

Acute fatigue affects reaction times and reaction consistency in Mixed Martial Arts fighters.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a multielement combat sport where fighters need to quickly react to an opponent's movements under fatigued conditions. Research indicates that fast reaction time is important in many sports, but the effect of fatigue has shown negative, null, or even positive influences on reaction time. However, few studies have been conducted in a controlled setting, especially using MMA figthers, whose matches are frequently resolved in a split-second. Therefore, this study investigated whether acute neuromuscular fatigue affects reaction and movement times, and their consistency in MMA fighters (N = 45). Before and after an upper-body Wingate test, a simple visual reaction time task was completed. Results showed a significant negative effect of fatigue on the reaction times and their consistency, with longer reactions (1.5% change) and lower consistency (14.7% change) after the Wingate test. Further, greater amounts of fatigue during the Wingate test seemed to negatively affect the consistency of post-Wingate movement time. Due to cumulative fatigue and the dynamic nature of MMA, our data indicate that not only the decrements in aerobic and anaerobic power likely affect a fighter's performance, but their reaction time and motor time may also be compromised during a fight.

Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and air displacement plethysmography / Comparación de análisis de impedancia bioeléctrica y pletismografía de desplazamiento de aire

The measurement of body composition has become an important component in the diagnosis of health, physical conditioning and nutritional status. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of detecting body composition, bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography for athletes and non-athletes. Specifically, we compared the parameters as fat mass, fat free mass and the value of basal metabolic rate. A sample size of 52 men (age 26.2 ± 5.4 years) that included a group of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters (n = 31, age 27.2 ± 5.5 years) and a group of the non-athletes (n =21, age 24.6 ± 5.1 years). Both groups were measured by bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography. Significant differences in % body fat (p<0.05) and fat-free mass (p<0.05) were noted between bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography of non-athletes, but there were no significant differences for athletes. Furthermore, there was a significant difference (p<0.001) of basal metabolic rate between bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography, but the correlation with fat free mass was very strong for both methods. Therefore, the use of bioelectrical impedance and air displacement plethysmography may be useful for detecting changes in body composition, but their accuracy is controversial and for this reason we recommend using only one method and not combining them.

La medición de la composición corporal se ha convertido en un componente importante en el diagnóstico de la salud, el acondicionamiento físico y el estado nutricional. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar dos métodos para detectar la composición corporal, la impedancia bioeléctrica y la pletismografía de desplazamiento de aire para atletas y no atletas. Específicamente, comparamos los parámetros como masa grasa, masa libre de grasa y el valor de la tasa metabólica basal. Un tamaño de muestra de 52 hombres (edad 26,2 ± 5,4 años) de un grupo de luchadores de artes marciales mixtas (MMA) (n = 31, edad 27,2 ± 5,5 años) y un grupo de no deportistas (n = 21, edad 24,6 ± 5,1 años). Ambos grupos se midieron por impedancia bioeléctrica y pletismografía de desplazamiento de aire. Se observaron diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de grasa corporal (p<0,05) y la masa libre de grasa (p<0,05) entre la impedancia bioeléctrica y la pletismografía de desplazamiento de aire de los no deportistas, sin embargo no hubo diferencias significativas en los atletas. Además, se observó una diferencia significativa (p<0,001) de la tasa metabólica basal entre la impedancia bioeléctrica y la pletismografía de desplazamiento de aire, pero la correlación con la masa libre de grasa fue importante para ambos métodos. Por lo tanto, el uso de la pletismografía de impedancia bioeléctrica y desplazamiento de aire puede ser útil para detectar cambios en la composición corporal, pero su precisión es controvertida por lo que recomendamos usar solo un método y no una combinación de ambos.

Body composition and morphological limbs asymmetry in competitors in six martial arts / Composición corporal y asimetría morfológica de miembros en competidores en seis artes marciales

The aim of this study was to compare body composition (BC) and morphological symmetry differences among elite athletes (n = 132) in six martial arts (judo, karate, fencing, wrestling, taekwondo, kickboxing). Multivariate analysis of variances (MANOVA) was used to compare the following variables: absolute (FFM) and relative (FFMrel) value of fat free mass, percentage of fat mass (FMp), bone mass, protein mass, basal metabolic rate, absolute (TBW) and percentual (TBWp) value of total body water, segmental proportion of muscle mass, phase angle, and percent-age differences between the upper and lower limbs. MANOVA revealed significant differences in BC among the groups (λ = 0.01, F104, 256 = 10.01, p< 0.01, ηp2 = 0.67). No significant differences were observed for FMp, FFMrel, and TBWp (p>0.05). In all other BC variables, significant differences were detected (p<0.05). The comparison of paired differences between limbs revealed significantly greater fluid volume in the preferred arm compared to the non-preferred arm in karate and fencing athletes. Significant differences (p<0.05) in favour of the preferred leg in all combat athletes were detected. This study revealed morphological differences among practitioners of different martial arts and between paired limbs.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la composición corporal (CC) y las diferencias de simetría morfológica entre atletas de élite (n = 132) en seis artes marciales (judo, karate, esgrima, lucha, taekwondo, kickboxing). Se utilizó el análisis multivariado de varianzas (MANOVA) para comparar las siguientes variables: valor absoluto (FFM) y relativo (FFMrel) de la masa libre de grasa, porcentaje de masa grasa (FMp), masa ósea, masa proteica, tasa metabólica basal, absoluto (TBW) y el valor porcentual (TBWp) de líquido corporal total, la proporción segmentaria de la masa muscular, el ángulo de fase y las diferencias porcentuales entre los miembros superiores e inferiores. MANOVA reveló diferencias significativas en BC entre los grupos (λ = 0,01, F104, 256 = 10,01, p <0,01, ηp2 = 0,67). No se observaron diferencias significativas para FMp, FFMrel y TBWp (p>0,05). En todas las demás variables de BC, se detectaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05). La comparación de las diferencias pareadas entre los miembros reveló un volumen de líquido significativamente mayor en el brazo dominante en comparación con el brazo no dominante en karate y atletas de esgrima. Se detectaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) a favor de la pierna dominante en todos los atletas de combate. Este estudio reveló diferencias morfológicas entre los practicantes de diferentes artes marciales y entre las miembros emparejadas.

Predictors of Fighting Ability Inferences Based on Faces.

Facial perception plays a key role in various social interactions, including formidability assessments. People make relatively accurate inferences about men's physical strength, aggressiveness, and success in physical confrontations based on facial cues. The physical factors related to the perception of fighting ability and their relative contribution have not been investigated yet, since most existing studies employed only a limited number of threat potential measures or proxies. In the present study, we collected data from Czech Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters regarding their fighting success and physical performance in order to test physical predictors of perceived fighting ability made on the basis of high-fidelity facial photographs. We have also explored the relationship between perceived and actual fighting ability. We created standardized 360° photographs of 44 MMA fighters which were assessed on their perceived fighting ability by 94 raters (46 males). Further, we obtained data regarding their physical characteristics (e.g., age, height, body composition) and performance (MMA score, isometric strength, anaerobic performance, lung capacity). In contrast to previous studies, we did not find any significant links between the actual and the perceived fighting ability. The results of a multiple regression analysis have, however, shown that heavier fighters and those with higher anaerobic performance were judged as more successful. Our results suggest that certain physical performance-related characteristics are mirrored in individuals' faces but assessments of fighting success based on facial cues are not congruent with actual fighting performance.

Effect of paddle grip on segmental fluid distribution in elite slalom paddlers.

Issues of high levels of muscular asymmetry have been associated with injury risk, and therefore have potential implications for decremental performance at the elite sport level. The aim of this current study was to assess the relationship between the segmental fluid distribution and the paddle grip in elite male and female slalom kayakers and canoeists. Eighty-four world-cup competitors (61 males and 23 females) took part in the study. Impedance analysis was used to assess segmental fluid asymmetry. The effect of paddle grip (loose/fixed hand in kayakers, lower/upper hand in canoeists), morphological dominance (dominant/non-dominant) and discipline (canoe/kayak) were evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA. The findings indicated a significant effect of paddle grip in canoeists on morphological asymmetry in upper limbs (arm of lower paddle hand mean fluid distribution 3.28, s=0.43 litres; arm of upper paddle hand mean fluid distribution 3.19, s=0.41 litres; P=0.000, [Formula: see text]=0.33). The sternmen demonstrated higher asymmetry between the arms of upper and lower paddle hand (mean 0.11, s=0.04 litres, P=0.000, [Formula: see text]=0.80) than the bowmen (mean 0.04, s=0.06 litres, P=0.015, [Formula: see text]=0.44) in double-canoes. Significant morphological asymmetry was found also in kayakers but the effect of paddle grip was not substantial. The use of segmental impedance analysis may be a suitable diagnostic tool for assessing morphological changes, which can be related to paddling training. Likewise muscular asymmetry is associated with injury risk; the evaluation of morphological changes during the training process may be considered by sport trainers and physical therapists.